2008 Toyota Matrix
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2003 | 268 |
| 2004 | 138 |
| 2005 | 213 |
| 2006 | 170 |
| 2007 | 96 |
| 2008 | 38 |
| 2009 | 192 |
| 2010 | 45 |
| 2011 | 10 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
29% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY AND JUMPED A CURB BEFORE CRASHING INTO A TRASH BIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120323
21% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
2008 TOYOTA MATRIX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TOYOTA COMPUTER SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER HAD NOT REPLACED THE ECM, BUT CLAIMED IT WAS REPLACED. *JS
NHTSA ODI report, 20200303
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA MATRIX. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON IN ORDER TO DRIVE PROPERLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181026
11% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA MATRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT MADE AN UNEXPECTED STOP CAUSING THE CONTACT TO REAR END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170427
8% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECAL
Campaign 10V035000 — check if this car was fixed
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 COROLLA AND COROLLA MATRIX VEHICLES. THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) FOR THE SUBJECT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THE 1ZZ-FE ENGINE AND TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MAY HA
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PRODUCTION NUMBER OF THE ECM AND REPLACE THE ECM IF NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA WILL MAIL AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION THE MIDDLE OF SE
Campaign 10V384000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Toyota Matrix — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V035000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V384000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Toyota Matrix reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Toyota Matrix is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota Matrix?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Toyota Matrix have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.